Doing Business in Bentonville — Top Stories
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Despite Doubts, Data Shows College Still Pays in NWA
A growing number of Americans question the value of college—but in Northwest Arkansas, the income gap between degree holders and high school grads tells a different story.
Ep. 126 - Retail’s Crossroads: AI, Tariffs, And Walmart’s Next Move
Bentonville is shaping the next era of retail. John Reeves and Brett Dye reveal how Walmart’s tech evolution, AI adoption, and sourcing shifts are redefining merchandising, supplier strategy, and speed. Learn how adaptability and insight drive success in today’s changing retail landscape.
How AI Agents Rewire Retail and CPG
AI agents are transforming retail and CPG by turning data into real-time action. Learn how agentic AI streamlines operations, predicts issues, and enhances decisions across marketing, supply chain, and merchandising to drive precision, speed, and profit.
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Editors' Picks
2025 Holiday Sales to Exceed $1 Trillion, NRF Predicts
U.S. holiday retail sales are projected to cross $1 trillion for the first time, signaling steady consumer demand and a crucial test for omnichannel strategy execution.
Aldi, AI, and TikTok Reshape 2025 Holiday Retail
From Aldi’s value-driven surge to AI-powered gifting and TikTok Shop’s impulse economy, 2025 holiday retail is rewriting the shopper playbook.
Inside Walmart’s Tech Stack: AI, Automation, and Omnichannel Innovation
Walmart’s technology stack—from AI-powered search to fulfillment center automation—drives its omnichannel leadership and sets a retail industry benchmark.
Agentic AI is the New Frontier for Retail & CPG Workflows
In retail and CPG, the shift from automation to agentic AI unlocks real‑time decision‑making, operational agility and higher customer trust across supply, merchandising and marketing.
How AI Agents Rewire Retail and CPG
AI agents are transforming retail and CPG by turning data into real-time action. Learn how agentic AI streamlines operations, predicts issues, and enhances decisions across marketing, supply chain, and merchandising to drive precision, speed, and profit.
Ep. 2 - Stablecoin Meets Omnichannel
Stablecoin is reshaping retail payments with instant refunds, cheaper settlements, and programmable rewards. Discover how AI, automation, and transparency are building faster, smarter checkout systems that power the next wave of omnichannel commerce.
Ep. 3 – Your Store Is the Strategy
Friction kills retail growth, and fixing it starts in the aisles. Learn from strategist DeAnn Campbell how small design and data shifts turn stores into profit engines. Discover how AI, layout, and culture upgrades can lift loyalty, sales, and engagement across every channel.
Ep. 126 - Retail’s Crossroads: AI, Tariffs, And Walmart’s Next Move
Bentonville is shaping the next era of retail. John Reeves and Brett Dye reveal how Walmart’s tech evolution, AI adoption, and sourcing shifts are redefining merchandising, supplier strategy, and speed. Learn how adaptability and insight drive success in today’s changing retail landscape.
Free Shipping, AI, and Speed Dominate Holiday 2025 E-Commerce
DHL’s latest study shows U.S. e-commerce leaders are prioritizing free delivery, AI-driven personalization, and fast domestic fulfillment for peak season success.
Agentic AI is the New Frontier for Retail & CPG Workflows
In retail and CPG, the shift from automation to agentic AI unlocks real‑time decision‑making, operational agility and higher customer trust across supply, merchandising and marketing.
How AI Agents Rewire Retail and CPG
AI agents are transforming retail and CPG by turning data into real-time action. Learn how agentic AI streamlines operations, predicts issues, and enhances decisions across marketing, supply chain, and merchandising to drive precision, speed, and profit.
DBB Hosts “AI in Retail” Breakfast Event for Walmart Vendors
Doing Business in Bentonville invites retail leaders to a Dec. 11 event focused on AI-driven shopper strategies, content optimization, and operational tools.
Consumers in Flux: Key Insights from Mintel’s 2025 Global Trends
Mintel’s 2025 Global Consumer Trends unveil how the interplay of home, community and global contexts is reshaping shopper behaviour—vital intelligence for omnichannel leaders.
Skims Reaches $5 B Valuation, Plans Physical Store Expansion
Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand reaches a $5 billion valuation and plans to significantly expand its physical retail footprint.
Starbucks Baristas Strike on Red Cup Day Over Contracts
More than 1,000 unionized baristas at Starbucks Corporation across over 40 U.S. cities have initiated an indefinite strike during Red Cup Day, pressing for a collective bargaining agreement that addresses pay, staffing and benefits.
Despite Doubts, Data Shows College Still Pays in NWA
A growing number of Americans question the value of college—but in Northwest Arkansas, the income gap between degree holders and high school grads tells a different story.
Only 17% of Retailers Achieve Unified Commerce Maturity
Most retailers struggle to unify digital and in-store systems, exposing a major gap in delivering seamless omnichannel experiences.
Retailers Struggle to Prove ROI on In-Store Technology
Nearly half of North American retailers can’t quantify the return on in-store tech, raising concerns about investment impact.
Protect Your Brand: Know Your Caller Reputation
Unidentified and spoofed calls are increasingly hurting brand reputation and call answer rates—marketers and contact‑center leaders must act now.
USPS Sets 2026 Shipping Rate Hikes Across Core Services
USPS will raise rates in January 2026 across Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and other services, impacting last-mile logistics and retail shipping costs.
Supreme Court Weighs Presidential Tariff Power in Landmark Case
A Supreme Court case questioning Trump's emergency tariff authority could reshape sourcing strategies across retail and supply chain sectors.
U.S. Exempts 200+ Food Imports from Reciprocal Tariffs
The U.S. has lifted tariffs on key agricultural imports like coffee, tea, and bananas, signaling trade deal progress and easing omnichannel food supply pressures.
Walmart Faces Scrutiny Over Omnichannel Price Transparency
New York’s proposed pricing transparency law could fine retailers like Walmart $250 per violation if online and in-store prices aren’t clearly disclosed.
USPS Sets 2026 Shipping Rate Hikes Across Core Services
USPS will raise rates in January 2026 across Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and other services, impacting last-mile logistics and retail shipping costs.
DBB Hosts “AI in Retail” Breakfast Event for Walmart Vendors
Doing Business in Bentonville invites retail leaders to a Dec. 11 event focused on AI-driven shopper strategies, content optimization, and operational tools.
Retail Real Estate Shows Growth Despite Store Closures
Though closures remain headline‑driven, the underlying market momentum shows investors placing bets on the next‑gen store formats and fulfilment nodes rather than traditional big‑box expansion.
Burberry Returns to Growth with China and Heritage Focus
Burberry posts its first quarter of growth in two years, crediting British heritage revival and strong sales in China.
Despite Doubts, Data Shows College Still Pays in NWA
A growing number of Americans question the value of college—but in Northwest Arkansas, the income gap between degree holders and high school grads tells a different story.
Supreme Court Weighs Presidential Tariff Power in Landmark Case
A Supreme Court case questioning Trump's emergency tariff authority could reshape sourcing strategies across retail and supply chain sectors.
Six Supply Chain Trends Shaping Retail in 2025
KPMG identifies six pivotal supply chain shifts for 2025—from GenAI to ESG—that retailers must master to stay competitive and resilient.
DBB Hosts “AI in Retail” Breakfast Event for Walmart Vendors
Doing Business in Bentonville invites retail leaders to a Dec. 11 event focused on AI-driven shopper strategies, content optimization, and operational tools.
Free Shipping, AI, and Speed Dominate Holiday 2025 E-Commerce
DHL’s latest study shows U.S. e-commerce leaders are prioritizing free delivery, AI-driven personalization, and fast domestic fulfillment for peak season success.
Consumers in Flux: Key Insights from Mintel’s 2025 Global Trends
Mintel’s 2025 Global Consumer Trends unveil how the interplay of home, community and global contexts is reshaping shopper behaviour—vital intelligence for omnichannel leaders.
Social Commerce Becomes Retail’s New Checkout Channel
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are transforming content into commerce, requiring retailers and vendors to adapt fast to in-app buying trends.
Retailers Shift from Mass Market to Micro Targeting
U.S. retailers adopt hyper-personalized approaches, using AI and real-time data to deliver tailored omnichannel shopper experiences.
Ep. 126 - Retail’s Crossroads: AI, Tariffs, And Walmart’s Next Move
Bentonville is shaping the next era of retail. John Reeves and Brett Dye reveal how Walmart’s tech evolution, AI adoption, and sourcing shifts are redefining merchandising, supplier strategy, and speed. Learn how adaptability and insight drive success in today’s changing retail landscape.
Agentic AI is the New Frontier for Retail & CPG Workflows
In retail and CPG, the shift from automation to agentic AI unlocks real‑time decision‑making, operational agility and higher customer trust across supply, merchandising and marketing.
U.S. Exempts 200+ Food Imports from Reciprocal Tariffs
The U.S. has lifted tariffs on key agricultural imports like coffee, tea, and bananas, signaling trade deal progress and easing omnichannel food supply pressures.
Retailers Shift from Mass Market to Micro Targeting
U.S. retailers adopt hyper-personalized approaches, using AI and real-time data to deliver tailored omnichannel shopper experiences.
Social Commerce Becomes Retail’s New Checkout Channel
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are transforming content into commerce, requiring retailers and vendors to adapt fast to in-app buying trends.
Skims Reaches $5 B Valuation, Plans Physical Store Expansion
Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand reaches a $5 billion valuation and plans to significantly expand its physical retail footprint.
Mastering Gift Guide PR: A Brand’s Roadmap to Editorial Placement
Brands that start early, match their product to the right outlet, and offer affiliate‑ready availability have the best shot at gift‑guide placement—and in today’s omnichannel world, that coverage signals demand, trust and readiness across all channels.
How Modern Retail Strategies Are Meeting the Needs of Today’s Parents
Parenting brands are thriving through omnichannel retail by blending empathy, convenience, and connection across digital and physical platforms.
Ep. 126 - Retail’s Crossroads: AI, Tariffs, And Walmart’s Next Move
Bentonville is shaping the next era of retail. John Reeves and Brett Dye reveal how Walmart’s tech evolution, AI adoption, and sourcing shifts are redefining merchandising, supplier strategy, and speed. Learn how adaptability and insight drive success in today’s changing retail landscape.
Toyota Opens $13.9B Battery Plant, Pledges $10B More for U.S.
Toyota launches production at its first U.S. EV battery hub in North Carolina, signaling deep investments in domestic supply chain and electrification.
USPS Sets 2026 Shipping Rate Hikes Across Core Services
USPS will raise rates in January 2026 across Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and other services, impacting last-mile logistics and retail shipping costs.
Supreme Court Weighs Presidential Tariff Power in Landmark Case
A Supreme Court case questioning Trump's emergency tariff authority could reshape sourcing strategies across retail and supply chain sectors.
Louvre Heist Highlights Cybersecurity Risks in Retail
A Louvre security breach underscores urgent cybersecurity gaps facing retailers ahead of the high-risk holiday shopping season.
Cold Chain Innovation: How Grocery Is Going Greener and Smarter
As shoppers demand fresher, faster deliveries and sustainability takes centre stage, grocery logistics is re‑engineering the cold chain with new packaging, IoT sensors and lean delivery strategies.
Centric Software Drives Retail Efficiency with PLM Tools
Centric Software’s PLM and AI solutions help retailers streamline product development, enhance inventory planning, and support sustainability goals.
Boost Productivity with the 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 Rule, or Pareto Principle, reveals how focusing on a small percentage of efforts can yield substantial results in productivity and personal fulfillment.
Free Shipping, AI, and Speed Dominate Holiday 2025 E-Commerce
DHL’s latest study shows U.S. e-commerce leaders are prioritizing free delivery, AI-driven personalization, and fast domestic fulfillment for peak season success.
Six Supply Chain Trends Shaping Retail in 2025
KPMG identifies six pivotal supply chain shifts for 2025—from GenAI to ESG—that retailers must master to stay competitive and resilient.
How AI Agents Rewire Retail and CPG
AI agents are transforming retail and CPG by turning data into real-time action. Learn how agentic AI streamlines operations, predicts issues, and enhances decisions across marketing, supply chain, and merchandising to drive precision, speed, and profit.
Consumers in Flux: Key Insights from Mintel’s 2025 Global Trends
Mintel’s 2025 Global Consumer Trends unveil how the interplay of home, community and global contexts is reshaping shopper behaviour—vital intelligence for omnichannel leaders.